President Museveni, the Commander-in-Chief of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), has promoted 301 senior and junior officers and confirmed the ranks of another 172 in one of the military’s latest leadership appointments aimed at strengthening command and operational effectiveness.
The promotions and confirmations were announced by the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs in a statement issued on July 28.
Acting Director of Defence Public Information Col Chris Magezi said the promotions, approved by Museveni, cover General, Senior and Junior officer ranks across the force.
According to the ministry, 83 officers who had been serving in acting appointments were confirmed in their substantive ranks, while 89 probationary Second Lieutenants were confirmed as full Lieutenants.
Among the senior officers, Acting Maj Gen Joseph Musoke Ssemwanga was confirmed in the substantive rank of Major General.
Five Brigadier Generals were promoted to the rank of Major General. They are Chris Musinguzi Bagonza, Chief of Staff – Land Forces; Godwin Karugaba, Joint Staff Logistics; Michael Nyarwa, Commander of the Marine Brigade; Richard Karemire, Joint Staff Formal Education, Sports and Culture (JS FESC); and David Robert Gonyi of the Air Force.
The Defence Ministry said the promotions form part of a broader exercise intended to strengthen leadership at every level of the military and ensure continuity in fulfilling the UPDF’s constitutional mandate.
“The Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs together with the Uganda People’s Defence Forces extend their congratulations to all the officers upon their elevation,” the statement said.
The ministry said the appointments are expected to enhance command efficiency, leadership continuity and operational effectiveness across the UPDF.